Myanmar ruby-mining town of Mogok captured by anti-junta forces

The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and allied forces have captured the important ruby-mining town of Mogok in northern Mandalay Region. According to the TNLA’s information team, the town fell under its control after the last junta tactical hilltop base was seized on Wednesday. Photos and video posted on Facebook by the groups involved showed residents welcoming them with flowers as they entered the town. The TNLA-led coalition said they attacked three junta positions—a police station and the Infantry Battalion 71 and 88 bases—in eastern Mogok on Tuesday. At least 19 junta troops were captured during those operations, according to the TNLA’s information team. The regime’s heavy artillery fire on residential areas has killed at least 10 civilians and injured many others in eastern Mogok over the past week, residents said. Mogok Township has a population of around 168,000, nearly half of whom live in urban areas, according to the latest official data. Around two-thirds have been displaced by the conflict. Myanmar Now was unable to independently verify the precise number of civilian casualties due to the communication breakdowns in the township. The fighting has also destroyed or damaged at least a dozen houses and three monasteries, according to locals. Kyat Pyin, a village located less than three miles west of Mogok in the territory of TNLA Brigade 2, was captured by the anti-regime forces on June 30. The TNLA also took full control of Nawnghkio in northern Shan State, around 86 miles south of Mogok, on July 11 after the Brotherhood Alliance resumed its anti-junta offensive on June 25.

Myanmar ruby-mining town of Mogok captured by anti-junta forces

Residents welcomed the TNLA-led forces with flowers as they entered the town on Wednesday

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